Sooners Tour Belgium Before Game 1

GHENT, Belgium -- After a night of much-needed rest following the long journey to Belgium, the Sooners got a full taste of the historic city of Ghent on Thursday.

Players and coaches began their day with a three-hour walking tour of what was once the second-largest city in Europe (behind only Paris in the 13th century).

Thanks to knowledgeable tour guide "Theo," the Sooners got a lesson in city chronology, architecture, art, religion and war. They toured St. Bavo Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic structure that dates back to 942 and houses "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb," a 1432 jaw-droppingly detailed painting by brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck that is considered one of the most significant in world history.

Some members of the group also toured Gravensteen or "Castle of the Counts," a visually stimulating castle built in 1180 that is just steps away from the popular city centre.

Following an afternoon of rest, the Sooners will play their first of five exhibition games during their visit to Belgium and France. Thursday's game will tip off at 8 p.m. local time, which is 1 p.m. CT.

Check back Thursday evening for game coverage, including video highlights and interviews.

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